Use the following thoughts and questions to have a spiritual conversation as a family. Don’t emphasize having the right answer, but focus on spending time discussing the Word as a family. 

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 4:1-16, 1 John 3:12, Hosea 6:6, Psalm 51:16-17, 1 Samuel 15:22

SESSION SUMMARY

We are in lesson 2 of our Problematic Stories in the Bible. We are looking at stories that have been brought up to try to show that God is messed up, abusive, or evil. We will dive into what we don't understand as 21st century westerners and many times understanding eastern Jewish culture makes these stories make way more sense and gives a great awe who God is.

This week we looked at the story of Cain and Abel. It can be a confusing story that raises a lot of questions, mainly why was God okay with Abel’s sacrifice and not Cains. Cain we see from they story and other glimpses of him in scripture, that his heart is prideful, turned form God and wanting to do things his way and giving God glory. But as we look at the story we see a gracious God who come to call Cain back into relationship, to repent. God wants ALL of our heart, not just empty actions, it was this way with Cain and its still what God wnats from us.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

1. In what ways were Cain and Abel the same? How were they different? How did their worship differ?
2. What is the main emphasis of the story? Is it physical sacrifice? 
3. What do we learn of the character of God in His dealings with Cain?
4. Where do you find your identity? (Parents: Try sharing first and being vulnerable)

LIVE IT OUT 

• How can you work I your heart to desire righteousness before God? 
• How can we get rid of false identities and remember we are God’s servants made to serve and glorify him

Thanks for all your prayers for our students and our ministry. Have an amazing week!